Happy Tails & Full Hearts: Your Dog's Guide to a Safe, Happy Holiday Season

November is here, and with it comes cooler mornings, cozy evenings, and that busy, wonderful stretch of the year when our homes fill up with family, friends, and the smell of something good in the oven. Our dogs feel it too. New faces, extra treats, and changes in routine can be exciting, and sometimes a little overwhelming.

Here are a few simple ways to keep your pup safe, happy, and looking their best this holiday season.

Thanksgiving Table Safety: What to Keep Off Your Dog's Plate

We know those big brown eyes are hard to say no to. But a lot of holiday favorites aren't safe for dogs, so here are the big ones to watch out for:

• Turkey bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or serious injuries inside the body. Keep the carcass well out of reach, and take the trash out promptly.
• Turkey skin, gravy, and fatty scraps: Rich, greasy foods can upset your dog's stomach and can lead to pancreatitis, a painful condition that often means a trip to the vet.
• Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives: These show up in stuffing, gravy, and lots of side dishes, and they're toxic to dogs.
• Grapes and raisins: Even small amounts can be dangerous. Keep an eye on fruit platters and holiday baked goods.
• Chocolate and desserts: Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and many sugar-free treats contain xylitol, which is extremely dangerous for them.
• Raw bread dough: Unbaked yeast dough can expand in the stomach and cause real problems.

If you'd like to include your dog in the feast, a little plain, cooked, boneless turkey with no skin or seasoning is a much safer choice. It also helps to let guests know, kindly, that the dog isn't allowed table scraps.

If you think your dog has eaten something they shouldn't have, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away. It's always better to check.

Fresh, Fluffy, and Photo-Ready

Between family visits, holiday cards, and that one picture everyone wants in front of the tree, the holidays are when your pup is truly in the spotlight. A fresh groom helps them look great, and it helps them feel great too. And a fresh-smelling pup makes all those hugs from visiting relatives even better.

Our groomers welcome all breeds and sizes, and we'd love to help get your best friend ready for their close-up. One friendly heads-up: holiday grooming appointments fill up fast every year, especially the weeks before Thanksgiving and the December holidays. If you have a date in mind, it's a good idea to reach out early.

A Fun Day Out While You Get Things Done

Holiday prep is a lot. Shopping, cooking, cleaning, decorating, and maybe a few work deadlines too. Cage-free daycare gives your dog a full day of play, friends, and attention while you check things off your list. They come home happy and tired, and you get a little peace and quiet to get ready.

A day of play can also mean a calmer pup by evening, right when the guests start arriving. New to daycare with us? We offer a free evaluation for new daycare friends, so we can get to know your pup and make sure it's a great fit.

Just a reminder: we require current Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella vaccines for all our pups. Having those records handy makes booking quick and easy.

Let's Get Your Pup on the Calendar

We'd love to see you and your dog this season. The easiest way to book is to give your neighborhood location a call:

• Studio City (daycare and grooming, proudly serving the neighborhood for over 22 years): (818) 985-2663
• Woodland Hills (daycare and grooming): (818) 710-1477
• North Hollywood (daycare and grooming): (818) 821-3176
• Arts District (grooming only): (213) 628-3983

Prefer to book online? You can always schedule at https://bonesweetbone.portal.gingrapp.com

From all of us, thank you for trusting us with your dogs, this season and every season. Your pups are the best part of our day, and we're so grateful to be part of your neighborhood. Wishing you and your four-legged family a warm, happy, and safe Thanksgiving.

Warmly,
The Bone Sweet Bone Team